LIFE Week: Life Is For Everyone

LIFE Week provides the community with insight on different life issues that are sometimes overlooked

 

Amy Inkrott | Contributor | USD Vista

“Life Is For Everyone.” This phrase serves as the mantra for LIFE Week at the University of San Diego. Life issues are often associated only with debates on euthanasia and abortion rights. However, Students for Life, an on-campus club, works to promote a better standard of life for all individuals. 

Throughout the week of April 23, Students for Life hosted events  bringing awareness to commonly overlooked life issues such as drug and alcohol abuse, human trafficking, mental health, and homelessness. Students were called to reflect on the blessings in their own lives, and consider those who are less fortunate.

Monday: Drug and Alcohol Abuse

On Monday, April 23, Students for Life kicked off LIFE Week with a discussion on drug and alcohol abuse and their impact on the lives of college students. John Redman, director of the Community Alliances for Drug-Free Youth (CADFY), began the discussion by detailing the realities of the opioid epidemic. 

First-year student and the event’s coordinator, Razann Rizk, responded to the increasing number of drug-related deaths.

“Drugs and alcohol are very prevalent in today’s society, and many students come to college without knowing how dangerous they can be,” Rizk said.

Later, motivational speaker and Olympic BMX coach Tony Hoffman shared his personal experience with drug addictions. Students listened intently as he explained that what had started as a fun social activity quickly shifted into a dependency. Hoffman’s story of overcoming drug addictions, homelessness, and incarceration served as a cautionary tale to anyone who experiments with drugs. Throughout his testimony, Hoffman sought to debunk the stigma of drug addicts being weak-minded and lacking in support. The speaker stressed that an addiction can happen to anyone, regardless of their family, wealth, or status. 

Hoffman gave advice to college students considering drugs as a means of dealing with the pressures of college. 

“Being you and different is okay and is important for the rest of your life,” Hoffman said. “The things that you are capable of doing are so much greater than the small moments that we believe are significant in our college years.”

Tuesday: Human Trafficking

On the second day of LIFE Week, USD students gathered in UC Forum C for Spirituality is Served to build community and discuss the issue of human trafficking. Speakers Emily Pasnak-Lapchick and Nadine Toppozada discussed the prevalence of human trafficking in our world. Pasnak-Lapchick, a former spokesperson and worker for UNICEF, shared that human trafficking is an issue not only globally, but also within the San Diego area. Through UNICEF, Pasnak-Lapchick worked with the End Trafficking Project to raise awareness of child trafficking. Toppozada, a spokesperson from Catholic Charities, shared testimonies from survivors, stressing their dignity and importance. 

Junior Elianna Lucas, the event’s student coordinator, commented on how the heartbreaking event had an impact on her. 

“Learning about the scale of trafficking helps me realize this is an issue that takes place all around us,” Lucas said. “There is always something we can all do to make a difference, no matter how small it is.”

Wednesday: Mental Health, Mass and Rosary for Life

On Wednesday, April 25, students filled Maher Lawn to partake in the Mental Health Fair. Students were provided with a multitude of snacks, stress-relieving objects like stress balls and massages, as well as time with therapy dogs. The fair aimed to help students alleviate their stress and promote self-care. Smiles were everywhere as students were able to play games, spend time with friends, pet the therapy dogs, and relax in the sun. 

Sophomore student coordinator Tomy Vettukallel highlighted the importance of mental health.

“All of us are affected by mental health whether we realize it or not,” Vettukallel said. “College students are so involved and want to do a lot. All of the stress and tension that we build up will cause problems for us in the future.” 

Vettukallel encouraged care for mental health among individuals. 

“If we practice taking care of our mental health and helping others to do the same, we will live longer and healthier lives,” Vettukallel said.

Later that night, students gathered in Founders Chapel to engage in prayer for all life issues. During Mass, Alison Purpera, class of 2007, provided students with her personal reflection on LIFE Week. Purpera began by recalling the 11 years since her graduation from USD, asking students to ponder where they will be in 11 years. 

Purpera called attention to those individuals who are unable to imagine their futures as they are plagued by life issues. She encouraged the USD community to advocate for these individuals so that they might have the opportunity to live their lives to the fullest potential. Finishing her reflection, Purpera referenced the week’s mantra “Life Is For Everyone,” emphasizing a belief  that every individual is deserving of dignity and respect. 

Thursday: PB & Jammin’

The final event of LIFE Week focused on the prevalence of homelessness in the San Diego community. At this popular event, students make peanut butter and jelly sandwiches to be distributed to the homeless. Together Toreros  worked to make over 400 lunches smiling, laughing, and singing along as they made PB & Js. 

First-year Madelyn Bass shared the joy and gratitude that she felt at the event. 

“I like to imagine the smiles that might come from someone simply opening that brown paper lunch bag,” Bass said. “There are so many people living on the margins right down the street from our school.” 

Reflecting on the blessings in her life, Bass found herself looking for ways  she could put aside her privilege and better serve others. 

“There is a great need for more joy and service in this world, and I think that making sandwiches at PB & Jammin’ is not only fun, but humbling as well,” Bass said. 

Throughout LIFE Week, students learned that these issues are present not only in our world, but also in our local community. Students were called to recognize the injustices people in our society face and consider the ways they can help. Every individual deserves the opportunity to live their life to the fullest.